Victoria announces $27.8 million plan to combat homelessness

The Victorian government has announced a $27.8 million plan designed to reduce rough sleeping across the state. The initiative focuses on an assertive street outreach model that links directly with social housing.

Under this model, support workers will actively engage with individuals sleeping rough to assess their needs and facilitate their transition into social housing, rather than waiting for individuals to seek help through traditional services. The plan aims to address systemic barriers that often prevent people from accessing mainstream support.

To ensure long-term stability, the strategy intends to provide access to integrated health and psychosocial support services. Research indicates that providing these ongoing services is critical in helping individuals maintain their housing and avoid returning to homelessness.